PURPLE PROSE Meaning and
Definition
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Purple prose refers to writing that is overly ornate, extravagant, or exaggerated, often characterized by excessive use of flowery and elaborate language. It refers to the usage of highly descriptive, flowery, and ostentatious language that goes beyond the boundaries of good taste and detracts from the meaning or substance of the text. This kind of writing generally employs an excessive amount of adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, and similes, often with the purpose of creating an overly romantic or melodramatic effect.
The term "purple prose" originates from the use of purple as a color associated with royalty, wealth, and luxury. It implies a writing style that is overly extravagant and indulgent, aiming to impress rather than to convey ideas or information. Purple prose tends to employ overly verbose descriptions, elaborate metaphors, and excessive use of sensory details. It often creates a sense of melodrama or exaggeration, skewing the balance between style and substance.
While purple prose can be subjective, opinionated, or simply a matter of personal taste, it is generally considered a negative attribute in writing. It can detract from the clarity, coherence, and readability of a piece of text. It can also make the writing appear artificial or overdone, hindering the reader's ability to engage with or fully comprehend the content.
Common Misspellings for PURPLE PROSE
- ourple prose
- lurple prose
- 0urple prose
- pyrple prose
- phrple prose
- pjrple prose
- pirple prose
- p8rple prose
- p7rple prose
- pueple prose
- pudple prose
- pufple prose
- putple prose
- pu5ple prose
- pu4ple prose
- purole prose
- purlle prose
- pur0le prose
- purpke prose
- purppe prose
Etymology of PURPLE PROSE
The term "purple prose" originated in the early 19th century and is believed to derive from the phrase "purple patches". In older literature, particularly during the Elizabethan era, writers would occasionally use purple-colored patches of ink as a form of emphasis or to draw attention to certain passages. Over time, these distinctive patches became associated with overly flowery, exaggerated, or excessively ornate writing styles. As a result, "purple patches" gradually evolved into the term "purple prose", indicating written text that is overly extravagant, verbose, and often melodramatic.
Idioms with the word PURPLE PROSE
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purple prose
Purple prose is writing that is overly extravagant, flowery, or ornate, often to the point of being exaggerated or melodramatic. This type of writing typically includes excessive use of adjectives, adverbs, and metaphors, and can detract from the main message or story being conveyed.
